Nepal

Nepal. A landlocked country in South Asia, it is primarily situated in the Himalayas and bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It contains Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, and the birthplace of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini. The nation transitioned from a monarchy to a federal republic following a comprehensive peace process that ended a decade-long Maoist insurgency.

Geography

Nepal's terrain rises from the lowland Terai plains in the south, through the central Pahad region of the Shivalik and Mahabharat Range, to the towering Himalayas in the north. This includes eight of the world's ten highest mountains, such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Annapurna. Major river systems like the Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali, fed by glaciers and monsoon rains, flow south from the high mountains into the Ganges basin. The country's significant ecological diversity is protected within numerous national parks, including Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Sagarmatha National Park.

History

The Kathmandu Valley has been inhabited for millennia, with early confederations like the Licchavi dynasty establishing a sophisticated culture by the 4th century. The subsequent Malla period saw the flourishing of art and architecture in the three rival city-states of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The modern nation was unified in the late 18th century by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the Gorkha Kingdom. The Rana dynasty ruled as hereditary prime ministers for over a century before the monarchy was restored in 1951. The 1990s saw the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy, but this was followed by the Nepalese Civil War, which concluded with the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord and the 2008 declaration of a republic.

Government and politics

Nepal is a federal parliamentary republic defined by its 2015 constitution. The Federal Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, while the President serves as head of state. The political landscape is dominated by parties like the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre). The country is divided into seven provinces, each with its own provincial assembly and government.

Economy

Nepal's economy is heavily reliant on remittances from citizens working abroad, particularly in Malaysia, the Persian Gulf states, and India. Key agricultural products include tea, cardamom, and jute, while tourism centered on mountaineering, trekking, and religious sites like Lumbini and Pashupatinath Temple is a major source of foreign currency. Industrial activity is limited but includes the production of carpets, textiles, and processed agricultural goods. Major infrastructure projects, such as those developed with assistance from the Asian Development Bank, aim to improve energy and transport networks, including the strategic Tribhuvan Highway and Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Demographics and culture

Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious society. While Nepali is the official language, over 120 languages are spoken, including Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Newar. The population predominantly follows Hinduism, with significant minorities practicing Buddhism, Islam, and Kiratism. Major festivals include Dashain, Tihar, and Holi. The cultural heritage of the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley is renowned, visible in the pagoda architecture of Durbar Square and intricate metal and wood craftsmanship. Traditional music, dance forms like the Lakhey, and the national sport of kabaddi are integral to local identity.

Category:Nepal Category:Federal republics Category:Landlocked countries